MCA Name Change: Midwest Croquet Association

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LEAWOOD, KS -- The MCA held it's Annual General Meeting February 9 in Leawood, KS and announced several new changes and initiatives. The most significant change is a new name -- the Midwest Croquet Association (changed from Missouri Croquet Association). The change is intended to better represent the organization's activities on both sides of the border and allow for expansion. New president Dylan Goodwin will work with the MCA Board to get a new logo approved that reflects the new direction of the association.

The big ticket item though was the announcement of a season-long nine-wicket points race for singles play. Details will be announced later, but the concept is that players will accumulate points at events hosted throughout the region. Top points players will then qualify for the MCA Nine-Wicket Championship event in September.

Most of the dates and venues are still to be determined, but Ron Millican announced May 4 as the official date for the Lee's Summit edition of the series (more details to come). The event will kick off the nine-wicket MCA season and Millican plans to have both partner ball flights and a cut-throat (six ball) flight as well. The MCA hopes to have at least one event per month over the summer with Warrensburg, MO and Overland Park, KS being likely hosts. August is being left open as many MCA players would like the opportunity to play in the 40th edition of the Kansas City Invitational in Parkville, MO.

The MCA also announced a $5.00 bump in membership fees for both singles and couples/families. Single memberships are now $20.00 and couples/family memberships are now set at $30.00.

Former MCA president Matt Smith asked to leave the MCA Board and Ron Millican has taken his place on the five member board. The board consists of Dylan Goodwin (President), Jodi Adams (Treasurer), Debbie Breeden (Secretary), Greg Clouse and Ron Millican.

MCA Leadership Change

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After roughly 18 months as President of the Missouri Croquet Association, Matt Smith turned the reigns over to Dylan Goodwin of Leawood, Kansas in November. Goodwin has served on the MCA board since 2011 and is also the Communications Committee chairman for the USCA. In addition, he is the publisher and editor for the USCA's Croquet News magazine and manages the Croquet Network news website.

"I've proposed to the core members of the MCA that we take on a more active singles nine-wicket approach to get the organization playing more competitive croquet in the KC area," said Goodwin. "And, the second priority is getting established events in the other three codes of croquet as well."

Goodwin noted that an association rules event started in 2011 and the 2012 event is in progress.

"Clearly, there are challenges for playing GC, Association and American rules events here as we only have the one court at the Kactus Creek Croquet Club in Parkville," said Goodwin "However, the association event shows that we just need to get creative with being flexible and potentially playing over multiple weekends. I'd like to see the AC event be sponsored by the MCA in 2013 and expand out to more players and possibly two flights."

"The main thing is, I just want to get a strong circuit of competitive play going here in KC."

The MCA will hold an All General Meeting (AGM) on February 9 in Leawood, Kansas to get started on planning events for 2013.

Breeden Second in Fourth Eight

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WEST PALM BEACH, FLA -- The MCA's Billy Bob Breeden of Cameron, Missouri tied for second in the fourth eight at the USCA's Selection Eights association event. Breeden had an 8-6 record in his group. Thirteen-year-old Matthew Essick won the group with a 10-4 record. Harper Peterson also posted an 8-6 records. Full event results are available here and you can see Breeden's full 2012 AC record here:

http://butedock.demon.co.uk/cgs/player.php?year=2012&pfn=Billy%20Bob&psn=Breeden

Smith Wins Indian Territory Open

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TULSA, OK -- Matt Smith of Warrensburg, Missouri took the championship flight of the Indian Territory Open held in Tulsa, Oklahoma this past weekend. Smith defeated Matt Baird of Tulsa in the final after beating Dan Bennett in round one and Jeff Caldwell in the semi-finals. Matt Griffith of Parkville, Missouri
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Breeden is Kansas City's AC Champion

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Parkville, MO -- Billy Bob Breeden came into the final day of the Kansas City Association Championship with a perfect 6-0 record and a three game lead. He finished the event with a 2-2 record on the final day and claimed the first annual KC AC title with an 8-2 record. Matt Smith and Dylan Goodwin finished with 6-4 records and Smith took second place by virtue of a 2-1 head-to-head advantage. Special thanks to Debbie Breeden who provided lunches to the four players for the second and third rounds. Also, thanks to Matt Griffith and the Kactus Creek Croquet Club for providing the venue and court. All indications are that the event will return for 2012.

FINAL STANDINGS
1. Billy Bob Breeden
2. Matt Smith
3. Dylan Goodwin
4. Matt Griffith

RESULTS

August 13

Matt Smith                  beat     Matt Griffith               +24
Billy Bob Breeden      beat     Dylan Goodwin          +9
Dylan  Goodwin         beat     Matt Griffith               +11
Billy Bob Breeden      beat     Matt Smith                  +17
Billy Bob Breeden      beat     Matt Griffith               +7
Dylan Goodwin          beat     Matt Smith                  +7

October 23

 Matt Smith                 beat     Matt Griffith               +5
 Billy Bob Breeden     beat     Dylan Goodwin          +6
 Billy Bob Breeden     beat     Matt Smith                  +3
 Dylan Goodwin         beat     Matt Griffith               +1
 Matt Smith                 beat     Dylan Goodwin          +7
 Billy Bob Breeden     beat     Matt Griffith               +3

November 4

 Billy Bob Breeden     beat     Matt Smith                  +4
 Dylan Goodwin         beat     Matt Griffith               +9
 Dylan Goodwin         beat     Billy Bob Breeden      +12
 Matt Smith                 beat     Matt Griffith               +2
 Billy Bob Breeden     beat     Matt Griffith               +6
 Matt Smith                 beat     Dylan Goodwin          +15
 Dylan Goodwin         beat     Matt Griffith               +1
 Matt Smith                 beat     Billy Bob Breeden      +25

KC Association Championship Update

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After two rounds, Billy Bob Breeden leads the event with a perfect 6-0 record. The first round took place on August 13 while round two concluded on October 23. The final round will take place with four games for each of the four players this Friday at the Kactus Creek Club in Parkville, Missouri. Results so far:

August 13

  1. Matt Smith                  beat     Matt Griffith               +24
  2. Billy Bob Breeden      beat     Dylan Goodwin          +9
  3. Dylan  Goodwin         beat     Matt Griffith               +11
  4. Billy Bob Breeden      beat     Matt Smith                  +17
  5. Billy Bob Breeden      beat     Matt Griffith               +7
  6. Dylan Goodwin          beat     Matt Smith                  +7

October 23

  1.  Matt Smith                 beat     Matt Griffith               +5
  2.  Billy Bob Breeden     beat     Dylan Goodwin          +6
  3.  Billy Bob Breeden     beat     Matt Smith                  +3
  4.  Dylan Goodwin         beat     Matt Griffith               +1
  5.  Matt Smith                 beat     Dylan Goodwin          +7
  6.  Billy Bob Breeden     beat     Matt Griffith               +3

Records: Breeden (6-0), Smith (3-3), Goodwin (3-3), Griffith (0-6)

MCA's Matt Smith Takes National Title

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PHOTO GALLERY

SHAWNEE, KS -- The final day of playoff action at the Nine Wicket Nationals in Kansas City saw steady rain, but the players battled through. In championship singles, Matt Smith knocked of Billy Bob Breeden to make the final, while Matt Baird took out George Cochran to advance.

In the final match, Baird got the first break but stuffed number five. That let Smith set up his break which he ran all the way out to the penultimate wicket. He then turned it over to his partner and finished with a double peel to claim the 2011 singles national championship.

In doubles championship play, Matt Baird and Jeff Caldwell battled Billy Bob Breeden and Matt Griffith in the final. Baird and Caldwell took a tight match 32-25 to claim the doubles title.

In the first flight singles playoff, #4 seed Jason Cole knocked off #1 Greg Adams in the semifinals. In the other semi-final, #2 Barry Dupuy beat #4 Ron Millican to advance. Cole won the final over Dupuy to claim the first flight national championship.

Video report will be available later today.

2011 USCA Nine-Wicket Nationals (September 16-18)

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This year we will be playing the Nine Wicket Championships at the Mid-America Sports Complex 20000 Johnson Dr, Shawnee, Kansas. Dates for the event are Friday, September 16 through Sunday, September 18. There will be Championship singles, doubles; and First flight doubles.

FRIDAY (one event only):

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5th Annual Lee's Summit Parks Croquet Tournament

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The 5th annual Lee's Summit Parks Croquet Tournament was held June 18th with 18 enthusiastic players coming together for some "HOT" competition of High/Low croquet playing.  Championship flight (High) players were paired with 1st Flight (Low) to battle for points to find the 2011 champions. Coming out on top in the Championship level was  Nick Zink, Warrensburg, 2nd Troy White, Rockville & 3rd Johnny Nichol, Warrensburg. Leading the 1st Flight players were 1st Heather McNeely, Keanery, 2nd Jimmy Hutchinson, Warrensburg & 3rd Jason Johnson of Kansas, City.

Mahaffie StageCoach Croquet Tournament

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There was a happening at the Mahaffie Stagcoach stop, and that happening was FUN! With the help of the Mo Croquet Assoc & the Kactus Creek Croq. Club, the 2nd Annual Sunflower Wicket Benefit got off to a beautiful start with a continental breakfast followed by an energetic Croquet tournament. Competition was on the "FUN" side but still very competitive. Sporting "period dress", Mahaffie employees exhibited their skills to an exciting crowd pleasing win. Rounding out the day for the players, sponsors & croquet pros, was a champagne brunch that was enjoyed by all.

Windstream TV Interview with Billy Bob Breeden

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To watch the interview click the attached link or you can just read it below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfrK6qDjpJs

After an initial objection, it didn't take much to get Billy Bob Breeden hooked on a sport. A friend asked if he wanted to play in a croquet tournament. The lure? A T-shirt, band playing and beverages - all for $12. It was fun. Next time out, he placed second in a field of 400. And 30 years later, he's still at it.

The Gallatin, Mo.,-based local manager is the United States Croquet Association Missouri-Nebraska district president, a role in which he promotes croquet at all levels and answers rules questions. He plays about eight tournaments annually and has competed in Oklahoma, Minnesota, Arkansas, Kansas and Texas. 

"I'm a very competitive person and I play every chance I get," says the third-place finisher at 9 Wicket National Croquet Tournament three years ago. "I compete in four 6 wicket tournaments and four 9 wicket tournaments in the spring, summer and fall. The district also has hosted the 9W National the last four years in Kansas City, Kan.

He doesn't play with just any mallet, either. Billy Bob's is a $500 graphite model (36 inches long with an 11-inch mallet head) imported from Australia. The one-pound balls are from Africa and run $40 each.

"The money is well-spent," Billy Bob says. "I can't believe there's not more people falling all over themselves to do it." He says all ages can learn and benefit from a game that's played the world over.

It's also a family sport for Billy Bob and wife Debbie, who competes with a mallet made in New Zealand.

"It gets young people outside and older adults don't have to be athletic to compete," says the game's ambassador. "Not everyone can swing a golf club or can run to return a tennis ball, but everyone can swing a mallet," he points out.

Like any sport, the key to success is "it takes lots of practice. Practice, practice and practice," he emphasizes. When the weather is bad, Billy Bob practices in the basement of his Cameron, Mo., home with specially made portable wickets. 

"I have a dry erase board on the wall that I uses to draw out different scenarios, like you would if you were playing football."

The basement also is the place for his growing display of trophies. Practice is a stress reliever for Billy Bob and keeps him focused on a personal goal of winning a national championship. His goal is to play in the 6W Nationals at West Palm Beach, Fla., in 2012.

What's That Thing You Do?

Midwest Regional Croquet Championship

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The Midwest Regional Croquet Championships starts this week in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Matt Smith, Matt Griffith, Billy Bob Breeden & Dylan Goodwin from Kactus Creek Croquet Club all will be attending this year tournament.

More to come ...

Lawn Warrior Classic Croquet Fundraiser Tournament

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 Jodi & Greg Adams, Deborah & Ron Millican, Debbie & Billy Bob Breeden all of the Missouri Croquet Association attended the first annual Lawn Warrior Classic Croquet Fundraiser tournament to benefit ALS in Lincoln, Nebraska. The William G Lauer Foundation said  the tournament was a success and they are planning to have another one next year.

2011 Winners were Jodi & Greg Adams of Kansas City, Mo.

Click here to Strike Out ALS    www.lauerfoundation.org     

More to come.......

 

Croquet Presentation

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MCA members are scheduled to do croquet presentation to the Cameron park board on April 28. More to come......

UCM Tournament

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Sixteen players played at the University of Central Missouri field on a warm April 9.  The format was high-low doubles and partners changed every game.  Evan Taylor and Annie Frisbie, members of the UCM croquet club, played their first tournament and really enjoyed the event and both played well.

Greg Clouse and Jodi Adams played great as partners and ended up winning the tournament.  Greg won in the championship flight and Jodi won in first flight.

I would like to thank eveyone for the support and look forward to hosting more tournaments in Warrensburg.

Matt Smith